Endia FontanezArizona Republic
Old Town Scottsdale is defined by its rustic buildings that take you back to the Old West coupled with a nightlife scene that has put it on the map as one of the top bachelorette party destinations in the U.S. It's also a luxury shopping destination and home to a "Wine Trail" of tasting rooms offering both local and international bottles.
The dining scene is also destination-worthy, with options ranging from classic fine dining to chic brunches and casual, but super aesthetic coffee shops tucked around the walkable main drag.
This is your guide to a dozen places to eat in Old Town Scottsdale right now, from buzzy new spots to iconic staples.
Beginner's Luck
One of the most exciting newcomers to Old Town Scottsdale is chef Bernie Kantak's Beginner's Luck, which opened in February in the formerPiccolo Virtu space. Brunch including playful dishes like an enormous gypsy toast and chai-rish iced coffee. The midday menu features a smaller selection of mains like a 12-hour Niman ranch pork bowl or sandwich. Dinner service starts at 4 p.m., when big plates like steak fritz, pan roasted Norwegian salmon and a crab and shrimp roll take center stage.
Details: 7240 E. Main St., Scottsdale. 480-571-0416, beginnersluckaz.com.
Berdena's
Berdena's is the place to go in Old Town Scottsdale for lavender lattes and scones in a relaxed but chic environment. Breakfast items include avocado toast, a breakfast burrito and The Oliver comprising of a fried egg, cheddar, arugula and house-made chipotle aioli on a brioche bun.
Details: 7051 E. Fifth Ave., Suite 1, Scottsdale. berdenas.com.
Cafe Monarch
Cafe Monarch has made OpenTable's list of most romantic restaurants multiple times due to its beautiful open patio and fine dining service. The cuisine is contemporary American presented as with 4-course($140 - $280 per person) or 8-course ($290 per person) tasting menus. Be sure to follow the restaurant's dress code.
Details: 6939 E. First Ave., Scottsdale. 480-970-7682, cafemonarch.com.
Call Her Martina
Call Her Martina at Scottsdale Fashion Square offers modern Mexican cuisine in a hip and exciting environment with dishes like ribeye aguachile, quesabirria tacos and ceviche. Wash it down with a signature co*cktail like the Paloma and Her Shadow made with mezcal, grapefruit liqueur, lime, agave and sparkling water or the Martini Mi Amor made with elderflower liqueur, mandarin vodka, passionfruit liqueur and lemon.
Details: 7135 E. Camelback Road, Suite 165, Scottsdale. 480-687-8592, callhermartina.com.
Diego Pops
For a more casual Mexican option with a great happy hour, check out Diego Pops for tacos a la carte, bean and cheese burritos, Sonoran hot dogs and build-your-own bowls. Happy hour is from 3-6 p.m. every day, with specials including $2 off beers, half off appetizers and $6 wines, sangrias or margaritas.
Details: 4338 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-970-1007, diegopops.com.
FnB
James Beard Award-winning chef Charleen Badman's Old Town Scottsdale restaurant features rotating seasonal menu options, so every visit is unique and exciting. FnB also sources award-winning wines from Badman's business partner Pavle Millic's southern Arizona winery. Reservations are reccomended.
Details: 7125 E. Fifth Ave., Suite 31, Scottsdale. 480-284-4777, fnbrestaurant.com.
Luna by Giada and Pronto by Giada
Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis opened her long-awaited restaurants at the Caesars Republic Hotel at Scottsdale Fashion Square in March. Luna by Giada is a sophisticated, but welcoming restaurant serving upscale Italian dishes like De Laurentiis' signature lemon spaghetti and a new lemon pizza she said she hopes will become a staple too. Around the corner, Pronto by Giada is a more casual spot to grab breakfast sandwiches or paninis.
Details: 4747 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale. 480-903-4747,caesars.com.
The Mission
The Mission Old Town offers lunch and dinner daily, serving Latin American cuisine like tacos and tostadas, plus mains like chorizo porchetta, Creekstone filet and a 12-ounce Flannery Jorge steak. Brunch is available on weekends, featuring cinnamon pecan waffles, a Cubana torta and grilled chicken and charred tomatillo chilaquiles.
Details: 3815 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale. 480-636-5005, themissionaz.com.
Pizzeria Virtu
Chef Gio Osso's Pizzeria Virtu serves Neapolitan style pizzas such as a margherita with San Marzano tomatoes, fior de latte, basil and olive oil and a diamante bianche pizza with mozzarella, sausage, pepperoncino Sott ’olio, garlic and prosciutto. There is also a limited selection of pastas and Niman-ranch long bone pork rib chops.
Details: 6952 E. Main St., Scottsdale. 480-663-9797, virtuscottsdale.com/pizzeria-virtu.
Scapegoat Beer & Wine
Scapegoat is a small and cozy bar with 16 beers on tap and a selection of wines by the glass or bottle. The kitchen offers bruschetta, flatbreads, a Cubano sandwich and a churro cookie skillet for dessert.
Details: 7150 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale. 480-597-6151, scapegoatbar.com.
Sel
Sel is a modern fine dining restaurant offering a 3-course option ($100 per person) Tuesday to Thursday and a 5-course chef's tasting menu ($140) Tuesday through Saturday, including a completely vegetarian option. Dishes can also be ordered a la carte, like grilled Spanish octopus, seared Hudson Valley foie gras and Korean style beef short rib steam buns.
Details: 7044 E. Main St., Scottsdale. 480-949-6296, selrestaurant.com.
Wine Girl
Whether you're in town for a bachelorette party or just looking for a fun brunch with friends, Wine Girl is a popular choice for its extensive list of wines by-the-glass and charcuterie boards. Other shareable menu items include wood fired pizzas and various dips served with baby baguettes.
Details: 4205 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-686 9077, winegirl.com.
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Did we miss your favorite? This list is regularly updated. Let us know about your go-to Old Town dining spots. Reach the reporter atendia.fontanez@gannett.com. Follow@EndiaFontanezon X, formerly Twitter.
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